The Anxiety Disorders Program at Children's National provides care to children and adolescents with anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety, OCD, tics, separation and social anxiety), and their families. Externs will gain experience in assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders in school-aged children (6-18 years), though younger children are sometimes seen as well. Experience with group therapy and working with children and adolescents with medical illness may be a possibility. Training goals include building skills in application of CBT/ERP and the use of SPACE with children and their families. In addition to formal, in-person supervision, externs will also have the opportunity participate in case conferences with child psychiatrists, attend behavioral health grand rounds, and clinical seminars (depending on externship day).
The Division of Allergy and Immunology at Children's National provides services to a diverse population of children and adolescents who are diagnosed with food allergies, eosinophilic esophagitis, asthma, eczema, urticaria, and immunodeficiency disorders. The primary mental health concerns among this population are anxiety related to allergen exposure, adherence, adjustment concerns, and feeding problems. The allergy and immunology team is multidisciplinary, so externs will routinely interact and consult with physicians and nurses. This externship offers experience with consultation/liaison services and procedural support during oral food challenge clinics, outpatient therapy services with an emphasis on cognitive/behavioral approaches, and psychosocial program development.
